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American Airlines Personal Item Size (2026)

American Airlines personal item size under the seat, how it pairs with the free carry-on, and Basic Economy notes. Official sources linked.

Quick answer

American’s personal item is 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm). It must fit under the seat and is free on every fare, including Basic Economy. You also get 1 free carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in, 56 × 36 × 23 cm) on all fares, but Basic boards Group 9, so plan on the personal item as the reliable cabin bag when bins fill. Official examples include a purse or small handbag. Unlike United Basic Economy (personal item only on most routes), American Basic Economy keeps both bags free.

Last verified:

Official sources:

How we check: We only publish what these official pages say. See How we verify fees.

This page follows American’s official carry-on baggage and Basic Economy pages, plus the newsroom release confirming one free personal item and one free carry-on on Basic. Re-check aa.com before travel.

Table

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Field American published value
Max dimensions (in) 18 × 14 × 8 in
Max dimensions (cm) 45 × 35 × 20 cm
Placement Under the seat (not overhead)
Cost Free on all fares, including Basic Economy
Weight None published for personal item
If oversized May not qualify as personal item; could count as carry-on or need to check. American does not publish a $75 gate fee like United’s
Carry-on contrast 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm); free on all fares; see carry-on size; Group 9 bin risk on Basic
Allowed examples Purse or small handbag (the official list is short)
Does not count toward allowance 1 diaper bag per child; breast pump; small soft-sided cooler of breast milk; child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices
Basic Economy interaction On Basic, the personal item and carry-on are both free; Basic boards last (Group 9), so the personal item is the reliable onboard bag when bins are full
Sizer and Eagle Must fit under seat; carry-on must fit airport sizer; Eagle valet free when carry-on won’t fit bin; ERJ-175: carry-on allowed, no valet
Contrast: United and Delta United publishes 9 × 10 × 17 in; United Basic Economy is often personal item only, with a $75 gate fee risk. Delta: under-seat, no published length, width and height

Free and paid

Personal item: always free if it meets 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm) and fits under the seat.

Full carry-on: also free on all fares including Basic Economy (22 × 14 × 9 in, 56 × 36 × 23 cm).

Checked: paid domestically (Main Cabin tickets issued on or after April 9, 2026: 1st bag $45 online or $50 at the airport; higher for Basic Economy tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026) unless a waiver applies; details on American baggage fees.

Free extras (not a second personal item): 1 diaper bag per child; breast pump; small soft-sided cooler of breast milk; child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices.

Gotchas

  • Soft bags that don’t fit under the seat may lose personal-item status.
  • Basic Economy Group 9: American warns overhead is usually full, so pack essentials in the 18 × 14 × 8 personal item.
  • United’s $75 gate fee for a failed personal item or a Basic Economy carry-on is not an American rule.
  • The carry-on size (22 × 14 × 9) is not the personal-item limit.
  • American Eagle: carry-ons larger than a personal item are often tagged for free gate valet, but the personal item is still what you keep at your seat.
  • Unlike Delta, which publishes no personal item size, American does publish 18 × 14 × 8.

Avoid fees

  1. Choose a bag that measures 18 × 14 × 8 in or less when packed; measure packed, not empty marketing size.
  2. On Basic and on full flights, keep meds, chargers, and valuables in the under-seat bag.
  3. The free carry-on is there on mainline flights when bins allow (it is still free on Basic).
  4. For checked fees and the tables by the date the ticket was issued, see our baggage fees page.

Bags that fit

Suggestions for bags that fit American’s under-seat personal item size. Prefer non-expanding backpacks and totes marketed at or under 18 × 14 × 8 in. Measure when packed; the airport sizer is the rule.

FAQ

What is American’s personal item size?

18 × 14 × 8 inches (45 × 35 × 20 cm), under the seat, free on all fares including Basic Economy.

Is a personal item free on American Basic Economy?

Yes. Basic includes one free personal item and one free carry-on (unlike United Basic Economy on most routes). Basic typically boards Group 9, so the under-seat bag is what you can count on keeping when bins are full.

What if my personal item doesn’t fit under the American seat?

It may not count as a personal item and could need to go in the overhead (as your carry-on) or be checked. American does not publish a $75 personal-item gate fee like United’s.

Does American allow a backpack as a personal item?

Only if it fits the published 18 × 14 × 8 in under-seat limit when packed. American’s official examples are a purse or small handbag, so go by the size rule: a backpack counts only if it fits.

What’s the difference between American personal item and carry-on?

Personal: 18 × 14 × 8 in, under seat, free. Carry-on: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), overhead, also free on all fares including Basic. Full carry-on detail: American carry-on size.

How does American’s personal item compare to Delta, United, Frontier, or Southwest?

American and Frontier both publish 18 × 14 × 8. United publishes 9 × 10 × 17 in. Delta requires under-seat fit but publishes no length, width and height. Southwest: free personal item, no published inches.

Related

Disclaimer

Confirm sizes and fees on aa.com before travel. BagRule is not affiliated with American Airlines.